Update your wardrobe for 2025 with your favourite of these four timeless dress styles. Continuing to trend long after their debut, there’s a reason why their popularity has stood the test of time, and straightforward techniques is all it takes to bring these beautiful women’s dresses into the 21st century.
- The 1920s flapper dress
Hit films and TV series such as The Great Gatsby and Peaky Blinders have seen ‘20s fashion return to the mainstream in full force over the last few years. One of the most iconic designs of this era is the flapper dress, a light cocktail dress with plenty of movement in decorative fringing, sequins and loose length to the knee.
While a full-blown flapper design might feel more appropriate for a costume party, you can embrace key elements of this dress when choosing formal options. Opting for a looser fitting fabric with funky embellishments like mesh sleeves and drop-waist detailing will keep you comfortable without compromising your ability to make a splash.
1950s A-line dresses
Originating over 70 years ago, A-line dresses have been a lasting favourite since their inception. Made to flatter all body types, this design is fitted from the shoulder to the waist and flares out smoothly over the hips. Lengths and necklines vary, but this style always has a simple skirt that makes it suitable for all occasions from everyday outings to weddings.
Try pairing an A-line dress in a vibrant shade with shoes and a bag in a contrasting bright colour. This is an easy way to modernise this traditional style and make it feel young and fresh.
The 1960s mod mini
Feeling confident enough to dare to bare? Upgrade your wardrobe with a mod mini, the staple ‘60s dress that gave glamour a new name. This slightly fitted shift dress uses limited material, stopping well above the knee, and features little-to-no embellishment.
At the time, it was typically worn with preppy accessories like thick headbands and white knee socks, and geometric prints like houndstooth were the most common fabrics. Update the mod for 2025 by choosing a dress in a more modern fabric such as velvet – it can be a great take on the Little Black Dress – and matching it with chunky boots rather than loafers.
- 1970s boho maxi dresses
Making a major comeback in 2025, bohemian maxi dresses are a year-round garment that suits a variety of occasions from formal garden parties in summer to cosy café catch ups in winter. Originally characterised by long sleeves and oodles of material in muted, large floral patterns, these dresses have adapted over time to include sleeveless options in brighter contemporary prints.
Try the latest update on this timeless style – the ‘moto boho aesthetic’ that stormed SS 25 runways. Match hyper-feminine and flowing dresses and skirts with boxy tops and heavy black leather biker jackets.
